The Jones County girls were eliminated in the first round of the state tennis playoffs last Wednesday, losing 3-1 at Effingham County.

Olivia Lane and Ashley Mills won at No. 1 doubles for the Lady Hounds, but Effingham won the three singles matches to secure the victory. It advanced to face Starr’s Mill in the second round.

Kaley Clay, Jazmine Washington and Sarah Pounds played singles for Jones County, and Logan Bowden and McKenzie Barnes were the No. 2 doubles team.

“The girls fought hard, with all but No. 1 singles going to tie-breaker sets,” coach Alisha Gordon said. “It was a match that we had a very good chance of winning, but we were unable to pull through. I hope to be in the same position next year with better results.”

Gordon, who was in her second year coaching the girls and first year also coaching the boys, said the season was a great learning experience.